Many witness eclipse from comfort of home

Dharwad: The partial solar eclipse that lasted three hours was witnessed by a large number of people in Dharwad on Sunday. The Dharwad Regional Science Centre located near Karnatak University campus had made special arrangements for a handful of sky gazers to watch this celestial movement.
Due to the lockdown, DRSC had decided to allow only a few students to watch the eclipse. A high definition telescope was erected on DRSC’s terrace allowing enthusiasts to watch the eclipse. The view from the telescope was also telecast live for those who could not reach the venue.
At Kadapa Maidan, people viewed the eclipse using specially designed spectacles. As usual a group of like-minded ‘rational’ persons prepared food and served it to people to allay the fear about the ill effects of consuming food during an eclipse.
Most temples in the city remained closed during the period of the eclipse while some temples conducted special ‘pooja’ and ‘Shanti Homa’. The temples were opened only after the idols were washed after the eclipse ended. Several groups of devotees recited ‘Vishnu Sahasra Nama’ and other hymns through Whatsapp group meetings.
Several roads wore a deserted look as people chose to remain indoors and watch the celestial event on TV and from their roof top. Interestingly, food joints, eateries and bakeries too were shut in the morning.